43 MPG combined is a great combination of efficiency and practicality in the midsize sedan market, and the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport/Touring 2.0L 4-cyl does this well. This isn’t a stripped-down economy car. It’s a well-equipped, handsome sedan that sips fuel like a subcompact. Accord Hybrid buyers want reliability, spaciousness, and a premium feel, all while keeping running costs low. The excellent fuel economy is simply icing on the cake.

City and highway performance

The Accord Hybrid’s fuel economy reflects its hybrid system. The 44 MPG city rating is especially noteworthy because it benefits from the electric drive at lower speeds and regenerative braking. Stop-and-go traffic, typically bad for fuel efficiency, actually becomes an advantage. The 41 MPG highway figure, while slightly lower, is still exceptional for a car of this size. Even on long road trips, the Accord Hybrid minimizes fuel stops, making it a great choice for commuters and families.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport/Touring is approximately $1,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. For Accord Hybrid owners, this relatively low annual fuel cost translates to significant savings over the lifespan of the vehicle, freeing up money for other expenses. This is a good financial reason to buy the car, in addition to less gas used.

Real-world expectations

While EPA ratings provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving habits, terrain, and weather conditions. Accord Hybrid owners often report figures close to the EPA estimates, the system is efficient in different conditions. However, aggressive acceleration and frequent high-speed driving can decrease fuel economy. Using regenerative braking more and maintaining a steady pace can often yield even better results.

How it compares

The Accord Hybrid competes directly with other hybrid sedans like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid LE achieves 52 MPG combined, while higher trims like the XLE achieve 46 MPG combined. The Sonata Hybrid Blue boasts an impressive 52 MPG combined, offering a slight edge in fuel efficiency, with higher trims hitting 45-47 MPG combined. While the Accord Hybrid might not lead in peak MPG numbers, its balance of efficiency, driving experience, and features is valuable. Buyers who value a more engaging driving experience and prefer Honda’s reputation for reliability might choose the Accord Hybrid even if other models offer slightly better MPG. Find all Honda fuel economy data on our website and see how these numbers compare over time.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Accord Hybrid. Avoid aggressive starts from a standstill, as this uses more gasoline. Instead, gradually increase your speed, allowing the electric motor to contribute more during initial acceleration. This helps keep the engine from starting unnecessarily, especially in city driving.

Use the car’s “ECON” mode, which adjusts throttle response and other systems to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it might make the car feel slightly less responsive, it can save you fuel, particularly on longer trips. This mode encourages smoother driving, enhancing the hybrid system’s ability to use electric power.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, meaning it takes less energy to maintain speed. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels as indicated on the doorjamb sticker. Even a few PSI below the recommended pressure can negatively impact fuel economy.

Minimize the use of air conditioning, particularly at lower speeds. The A/C compressor places a load on the engine, hurting efficiency. When possible, use the fan or open windows to circulate air. On the highway, A/C is more efficient than open windows due to aerodynamic drag, but in city driving, the opposite is true. Also, check out the ACCORD MPG across all years to get a full picture.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Consistent speeds and fewer stops allow the hybrid system to operate more efficiently. While the Accord Hybrid excels at regenerative braking, continuous acceleration and deceleration cycles consume more fuel than maintaining a steady pace. Therefore, driving defensively and anticipating traffic conditions can save fuel.